2003 Men's Soccer

Rodriguez named All-HCAC

Rodriguez given honor for efforts, 7th player in HCAC history to be named to team
for career

By Ben Risinger, SIDNovember 14, 2003 BLUFFTON
,
OHIO
- Senior Diego Rodriguez (
Kalona
,
Iowa
/Iowa Mennonite) was named All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference in men's soccer
for the 2003 campaign. The honor caps off an outstanding career for Bluffton as a
forward/midfielder. Rodriguez has been named to the team all four years of his tenure
for the Beavers.

"I think it's a great honor for him. He's obviously been one of the more consistent
and creative players that the program has ever had. I think looking at his numbers
all-around you see how complete of a player he was," Head coach Steve Smucker said.
"I was pleased that I had one year to coach him and I think he's set the bar for
what is expected at Bluffton."

Rodriguez is the first
Bluffton
College
soccer player to be named to an all-conference squad for his entire four seasons and
is the seventh player in the history of the Heartland conference to be given the prestigious
honor for his career. He finishes his campaign with 18 goals, which is a tie for 5th
on the all-time career list for the Beavers. He is also second on the career list
in assists with 15 and fourth in career points with 51.

In the 2003 season Rodriguez posted three goals and seven assists for 13 total
points. Full statistics and information on the 2003 season are available online at
- www.bluffton.edu/sports/menssoccer.